Featured Alumnus - March 2025

I would not be close to the position I am in today or where I would like to be in the future without Chicago Christian. I graduated from Christian High in 2021, and, from basketball and golf to student government and NHS, I was able to participate in several different sports and clubs which helped shape me into a leader. The staff and my peers will always have a lasting impact on who I am because of the family environment that was provided throughout my time. People I think of most during my time are Coaches Kevin Pittman and Kevin Pittman Jr., who coach the varsity basketball program, and Mrs. Schnyders, who oversaw the student government. My fondest memories are our basketball trip to Florida my junior year and freshman year spirit week. 

Since leaving Chicago Christian I have obtained a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Missouri. While in school, I was the head student manager for our men’s basketball program where I got to learn under a tremendous coaching staff. As a manager I helped in the facilitation of practice, assisted with travel and team operations, and met some of my now closest friends. During my time, we attended one NCAA tournament where we advanced to the round of 32 for the first time in over a decade. While in school, I also began interning for a sports marketing organization, with whom I am now employed, and became involved with Team USA’s Junior National Olympic team serving in a support staff role at their minicamps and trials. In my position now with The Playbook Group, we handle a majority of premier high school and grassroots basketball operations across the nation. Notable programs we service include Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) and the Nike Elite Youth Scholastic Conference. I serve as the Athlete Relations and Events manager, and I love every second of what I do. This opportunity has given me the chance to travel the country and grow a phenomenal professional network.  

While student council and basketball both functioned as two very different operations, they played a pivotal role in helping me find my voice as a leader. In basketball, where I did not play much, I still functioned as a pivotal piece as a player-extension of the coaching staff. And in student government I was able to stretch my creativity and share my voice with and for my classmates when I became the student body president. Without either of these programs, there is no way I would have positioned myself to create the opportunities that I have been approached with. Being at a smaller school where everyone knew each other and there was a family-like atmosphere prepared me for what I want to be a part of as my career continues to progress and how I will treat people. I am extremely grateful for my time at Chicago Christian and the bonds I created with so many people that will last a lifetime.